Why does my oven cut out when its hot?

Author: Prof. Casimer Emmerich  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Overheating. A lot of modern ovens come equipped with a protective safety measure to stop them from overheating. This typically comes in the form of a circuit breaker, cutting power to the oven in the event that it gets too hot.

Why does my oven shut off when it gets hot?

Thermal fuse. Many ovens have a thermal fuse so that if the heating element runs for too long (eg, controls stuck ``on'') or if there is a break in the oven such that heat can get from inside the oven to the outside, power shuts off.

Why does my oven trip when it gets hot?

1 Answer 1 With ovens, it is often a problem with a heating element. The elements are metal tubes, filled with a mineral powder insulation. A heating wire runs down the middle. If the oven hasn't been used for a while, damp can get into the mineral insulation. This can cause an RCD or RCBO to trip.

What are the symptoms of a bad oven thermostat?

  • Slow Pre-Heating: Your oven takes longer than usual to reach the right temperature.
  • No heat - Your oven isn't producing any heat, it could be due to a broken thermostat and can also be caused by other problems, such as a faulty heating element.

How much does it cost to replace the temperature sensor on an oven?

To replace your oven sensor, you'll pay between $100 and $250.

How to Fix an Oven Thermal Cut Out

What are the symptoms of a faulty temperature sensor?

What Are The Symptoms of a Faulty Temperature Sensor?
  • The equipment is experiencing intermittent thermocouple failure.
  • Instruments are showing “Open Circuit”.
  • The temperature gauge on your equipment isn't reading accurately.
  • The equipment stops heating or cooling properly.
  • The equipment is overheating.

What happens if oven temperature sensor fails?

A faulty temperature sensor will cause the oven not to heat to the correct temperature. If food is taking longer to cook, or is undercooked when cooking time is completed this is due to the oven not reaching the desired heat. You need to make sure that the temperature sensor isn't touching the interior oven wall.

Can I replace an oven thermostat myself?

Locate the thermostat and disconnect the wires to remove thermostat. Remove the screws holding the thermostat in place and gently pull it out. Install the new thermostat: Position the new thermostat in the same place where the old one was.

How do you know if an oven element or thermostat is broken?

If there's a problem with the element, the light is never going to turn off because it's never going to hit the correct temperature. On the other hand if when you turn the thermostat on the light does not turn on at all, that shows there's a problem with the thermostat.

How do I test my oven temperature control?

Place a small amount of granulated sugar in an oven-proof dish or on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil. Place in oven for 15 minutes. If your oven is calibrated correctly, the sugar will melt. If your oven is running cold, the sugar will not melt.

Why does my oven heat up then cut out?

Ventilation. If your thermostat is in working order, there may be an issue with your oven's ventilation. Poor ventilation can cause the heat to build up to the point that the oven overheats and causes the thermostat to trip, again cutting out your oven in the process.

How long should an oven last?

The life expectancy of an electric oven is around 13 - 15 years. The life expectancy of a gas oven is around 15 years. The life expectancy of a dual-fuel oven is also around 15 years. However, the lifespan of these kitchen appliances depends on how frequently you use them.

Why does my oven keep going out?

Ventilation Problems

If the airflow is restricted or blocked in some way your oven can overheat which will cause it to shut off. So, before you go examining the thermostat and heating elements take a good look at your electric oven and make sure it's got adequate ventilation.

Why does my oven keep cutting off?

When it overheats due to blocked ventilation or a malfunctioning cooling fan, it triggers a safety mechanism that automatically shuts off the appliance to prevent further damage. To prevent this from happening, it's essential to keep your oven's vents and airflow clean and clear of any obstructions.

Why is my oven tripping when I heat up?

If it trips immediately, the issue likely resides in the fuse; however, if it doesn't instantly trip, it confirms that the fuse is in working order. From there, if the electric trips when you raise the temperature, the problem is most likely the heating elements and you will require a replacement element.

Why won't my oven stay at temp?

If your oven is not maintaining the correct temperature, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty heating element, or a malfunctioning temperature sensor. The issue may also simply be a need for calibration or keeping the door closed.

How do I know if my oven needs a new thermostat?

Test the Temperature with an Oven Thermometer: Place an oven-safe thermometer inside, set your oven to a specific temperature, and check the reading after 10-15 minutes. If there's a big difference, your thermostat may need adjusting or repair.

Is it worth replacing the heating element in the oven?

The element is the most vital part of an electric oven. Without it, your food will remain uncooked and cold - so when your cooker element breaks, it's important to find the correct replacement quickly.

How do I reset my oven thermostat?

Remove the oven temperature knob and turn it over. It should have one or two screws on the back. If the oven is running cold, you will want to turn the screws counterclockwise, and if it is running hot, you will want to turn them clockwise. Turn them gradually, about an eighth of a turn each time.

What happens when an oven thermostat goes bad?

Your thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature of your oven. If you find that your food is over or undercooked after setting the temperature correctly there's a chance that your thermostat is faulty. That's right, maybe it isn't your cooking skills, it's the thermostat.

Is it expensive to replace a thermostat in an oven?

The cost to replace an oven thermostat is $100 to $350 on average. Signs of thermostat failure include the heating light never switching on or the oven not heating. A thermostat turns the heat on and off as needed to reach the right temperature setting.

Can I replace my thermostat myself?

In most cases, installing a new thermostat is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project that can result in improved comfort and convenience and one that can help you save energy.

How to know if a temperature sensor is bad in an oven?

Longer Cooking Times: If you find that your food is taking longer to cook than usual, it could be an indication that the temperature sensor isn't working properly. This can result in the oven not heating to the desired temperature, causing the food to take longer to cook.

Why does my oven keep dropping temperature?

A broken electric oven thermostat is most likely the cause of your electric oven's temperature fluctuation. Your oven thermostat is the oven part which regulates the temperature. If the thermostat is broken, it will no longer be able to keep the temperature at a stable level and will cause fluctuation.

Why is my oven not heating up to the correct temperature?

If you notice that your electric oven isn't heating up to the correct temperature and food comes out under-cooked, this many be caused by a defective electric oven thermostat. Thermostats measure the temperature inside the oven cavity, switching the electric element on and off to maintain the desired temperature.

Previous article
Should I use gloss or satin paint for kitchen cupboards?
Next article
What is the best homemade cleaner for cat urine?